Mounting your prints correctly is essential not just for appearance but for preservation.
Learning to mat your artwork is a valuable skill, whether you’re preparing it for sale, exhibition, or long-term storage.
In this blog post, I’ll share a clear, professional method for framing cross-stitch in a step-by-step approach. This method not only gives each piece a polished, finished look but also ensures it’s preserved safely for the long term.
I’ve learned that using the right materials makes a big difference in both visual appeal and archival quality.
Matting not only enhances the presentation of your work but also protects it from environmental damage, handling wear, and potential long-term deterioration.
With the right technique, your artwork can remain clean, flat, and beautifully displayed for years to come.
Why Mat Your Artwork?
Matting is one of the most important steps in properly displaying and preserving your print or original artwork. While it adds aesthetic polish to any presentation, the value of matting goes well beyond appearance. Here’s why:
1. Protects the Artwork from Physical Contact
When artwork is placed directly against glass, it’s at risk of sticking to the surface due to moisture, temperature changes, or aging.
Over time, this can lead to smudging, tearing, or even permanent adhesion. A mat creates space between the print and the glass, preventing damage and giving the artwork room to breathe.
2. Enhances the Visual Appeal
Matting helps draw attention to the central image. It frames the artwork in a way that isolates it from its surroundings, improving contrast and focus.
A clean white or off-white mat, for example, can make colors pop and lend a gallery-ready finish.
3. Prevents Warping and Buckling
Paper-based artwork and prints naturally expand and contract with humidity.
Matting, when done using the correct materials and methods, allows for this movement while keeping the artwork flat.
4. Adds Structural Support
A mat combined with a backing board helps stiffen the overall piece, making it easier to handle, transport, or store without bending or creasing the print.
This is especially helpful during shipping or while displaying at art fairs or shows.
5. Increases Professional Value
For collectors, galleries, and buyers, a matted piece shows care and professionalism.
It also signals that the artist or owner understands how to properly preserve their work, often increasing perceived and actual value.
6. Allows Reversible Mounting
When done using acid-free materials and a proper hinging technique, matting doesn’t permanently alter your artwork.
That means prints can be removed, reframed, or upgraded later without harm.
7. Supports Conservation Framing Standards
Many galleries and institutions follow conservation standards, which include using archival materials and reversible mounting techniques.
Matting using the hinging method aligns with these best practices, offering peace of mind for long-term preservation.
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, be sure to have these materials ready:
- Acid-free backing board
- Acid-free pre-cut mat
- Linen hinging tape (such as Lineco brand)
- Optional: Acid-free double-sided tape
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Clear archival sleeve or bag
- Soft pencil and ruler for optional guides
- Clean, lint-free work surface
- Optional: bone folder for crisp mat closure
Set up your workspace in a quiet, clean, and dust-free area. Working in a calm environment helps prevent misalignments and accidents with delicate materials.
Step-by-Step Instructions on Matting Artwork
Here’s how to mat any artwork to give it a clean, professional finish.
Step 1: Align the Mat and Backing Board
Lay your acid-free mat face down on a flat surface. Place your backing board next to it, making sure its edges line up perfectly.
This setup will form the base for your book-style hinge. Accurate alignment now ensures everything fits smoothly within a frame later.
A mat that’s even just slightly off can affect the overall look of the piece and may not sit properly inside pre-cut frames.
Step 2: Create the Hinge with Linen Tape
Use a strip of acid-free linen hinging tape to connect the mat and backing board:
- Measure the width of your mat.
- Cut a strip of tape to span that width.
- Roll the tape gently to avoid curling.
- Apply the tape where the mat and backing board meet.
This forms a flexible, book-like hinge.
The tape should be applied with firm, even pressure. Use a bone folder if needed to smooth the tape without wrinkling.
Step 3: Position the Print
Open the mat and place your print behind the window on the backing board.
- Adjust it until centered.
- Use a ruler for precision if needed.
- Mark light guide dots outside the artwork area if necessary.
Take your time with this step; it’s easier to adjust now than after you’ve added the T-hinges. Proper centering adds to the visual impact of your piece.
Step 4: Create T-Hinges
T-hinges allow prints to hang freely and expand or contract without stress:
- Cut four short strips of linen tape.
- Split each strip lengthwise for thinner support.
- Place one vertically on the back of the print.
- Cross another horizontally over it to form a “T.”
Make sure the tape adheres cleanly without bubbles. If your print is heavier, you may need to reinforce the hinge or use longer strips for support.
Step 5: Attach the Print with T-hinges
Apply the T-hinges to the back of your print’s top corners:
- Stick the vertical part on the artwork.
- Press the horizontal part of the board.
This keeps the print secure without restricting movement. Optionally, add two loose hinges near the bottom for balance.
Be cautious not to tape directly on the image area.
Always work from the backside and only tape to areas you’re certain won’t affect visual elements or texture.
Step 6 (Optional): Seal the Mat with Double-Sided Tape
To hold the mat closed:
- Cut strips of acid-free double-sided tape.
- Apply to the inner edges of the backing board.
- Press the mat down carefully to align it.
This step helps keep everything in place during transit or storage and improves the overall finish, especially for sale-ready presentation pieces.
Step 7: Finish with a Clear Protective Bag
Insert the mounted artwork into a clear archival bag:
- Choose a bag that’s slightly larger than the mat.
- Seal gently to avoid damage.
If storing long-term, place the matted piece in a rigid art box or portfolio case. Avoid humid or brightly lit areas to maintain archival integrity.
For a more detailed understanding, watch the YouTube video “How to Mat Your Artwork or Print: The Hinging Method” by @GoldenStateArt, which this blog closely follows.
Affordable Ways to Frame Cross Stitch at Home
Here’s a quick list of affordable ways I’ve found to frame my cross stitch at home without sacrificing quality. These options are budget-friendly and easy to try, even if you’re new to DIY framing.
- Use Thrifted Frames: I often find sturdy, beautiful frames at thrift stores or garage sales for just a few dollars.
- Repurpose Old Frames: I reuse frames from old prints or outdated décor—just clean them up and you’re good to go.
- Buy Frames in Bulk: Craft stores and online retailers often offer multipacks of basic frames at a discount.
- Skip the Mat (or Make Your Own): If I’m on a tight budget, I skip the mat entirely or use cardboard with fabric as a DIY mat.
- DIY Foam Board Mounting: Instead of expensive mounting services, I use acid-free foam board to stretch and pin my work securely.
These ideas have helped me frame projects affordably without compromising the finished look. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can beautifully display your stitching on a budget.
Final Tips
- Always use acid-free materials for longevity.
- Never tape all four sides of the print—this can cause buckling.
- Work in a dust-free environment to avoid trapped lint.
- Double-check alignment before sealing the mat.
- Label the back of the mat with a pencil, not a pen, for safe identification.
- If preparing for sale, include an artist bio or certificate of authenticity inside the sleeve.
Conclusion
Matting your artwork isn’t just a finishing touch; it’s a protective strategy that helps preserve, present, and protect your prints or original work.
Using the hinging method ensures that your artwork is secure but never restricted. It can be removed, replaced, or reframed without damage.
This method is especially useful for those who want to maintain the integrity of limited-edition prints, vintage photographs, or original illustrations.
By allowing the paper to expand and contract naturally, hinging avoids the risks that come with fully adhering a piece to its backing.
It also shows that you’ve taken the time to prepare your work professionally, which can be a deciding factor for galleries and buyers alike.
Ultimately, matting adds a sense of completion and respect to any piece of art. It tells the viewer, whether a collector, curator, or friend, that what’s inside the frame is worth protecting, displaying, and preserving for the long haul.